Buffets Make Huge Comeback as Americans Seek Affordable Dining Options

Searches for 'all-you-can-eat buffet near me' surge 252% as inflation drives diners to value-focused restaurants.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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As Americans tighten budgets and face rising menu prices, buffet restaurants are experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Yelp data shows searches for 'all-you-can-eat buffet near me' jumped 252% in the past year, with Asian cuisine buffets seeing particularly strong growth. Experts say buffets provide 'tremendous value' for families struggling with inflation, allowing them to fill up without worrying about portion sizes or price increases.

Why it matters

The buffet boom highlights how consumers are adapting their dining habits to cope with the current economic climate. With the cost of groceries and restaurant meals rising sharply, all-you-can-eat options offer an affordable way for people to satisfy their appetites. This trend also reflects a broader shift in consumer priorities, as value and affordability take precedence over other factors when choosing where to eat.

The details

According to the Yelp data, searches for 'Indian food buffet near me' have surged 459%, while interest in classic dishes like biryani chicken is up 49%. Experts say the appeal of buffets lies in their ability to provide 'tremendous value,' especially for families struggling to make ends meet. 'When restaurants quietly cut portion sizes but raise prices, consumers notice. At a buffet, nobody's counting your fries and fried chicken — and that's exactly the appeal,' said Ted Jenkin, a managing partner at the wealth management firm Exit Wealth Advisors.

  • The Yelp data was gathered between September 2024 and August 2025, compared to the previous year.
  • The surge in buffet popularity has occurred over the past year as inflation has driven up the cost of groceries and restaurant meals.

The players

Yelp

An online platform that provides reviews and information about local businesses, including restaurants.

Ted Jenkin

A managing partner at the wealth management firm Exit Wealth Advisors in Georgia.

Whitney Stuart

A dietitian and owner of Whitness Nutrition, a Texas-based nutrition consulting firm.

Alon Laniado

The founder of the weight loss platform Fitmate Coach.

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What they’re saying

“When eggs are five bucks and burgers are $20, unlimited food for one flat price starts to feel like financial genius.”

— Ted Jenkin, Managing Partner, Exit Wealth Advisors

“Research consistently shows that starting with lean protein and fiber-rich foods, such as vegetables, increases levels of satiety hormones like GLP-1 and PYY. This helps people naturally consume fewer calories, [and] this strategy can prevent repeated trips to the buffet, which often leads to increased intake without added satisfaction.”

— Whitney Stuart, Dietitian and Owner, Whitness Nutrition

“Sauces 'are often where calories add up quickly. Buffets that allow customization — such as hot pot or soup-based setups — give diners more control, letting them choose lighter broths, limit added oils and rely more on spices and herbs for flavor.”

— Alon Laniado, Founder, Fitmate Coach (Fox News Digital)

The takeaway

The resurgence of buffets highlights how consumers are adapting their dining habits to cope with rising costs, prioritizing value and affordability over other factors. By following strategies like starting with protein and fiber-rich foods, limiting liquid calories, and being selective with sauces, diners can enjoy the benefits of buffets without compromising their health or budgets.